Games are a great way to have fun and engage your child’s brain into mathematical thinking. Different games inspire different thought patterns. We recently published an article about great card games to reinforce math skills. We also have an article about the math benefits of chess. We don’t want to leave board games out of the fun. Here are 4 board games with a sprinkling of math we think your family might enjoy. If there are some your children really like, let us know! We can add them to our game shelves for Game Nights.
1. The Original Rummikub® – The game is based on the traditional middle-eastern game of Okey. First created in the 1930s and sold in hand-produced versions until the late 1970s. Players must organize their tiles into sets of the same number or runs of the same color. It is easy to learn and great for larger groups.
Number of players: 2-6
Ages: seven and up
Math Skills Reinforced: Strategy, sequencing and patterns.
A Suggested Twist for Extra Math:
Allow players to play a non-traditional run. A traditional run is three consecutive counting (such as 5, 6, 7) tiles of the same color. A non-traditional run must follow a mathematical rule that the player can explain. Examples of non-traditional runs could include consecutive primes (2,3,5) or evens (2,4,6) or multiples of three (3,6,9) or anything the player can explain and others can follow.
2. Yahtzee – This classic dice game has many of the same underlying features as poker. To play strategically players must use probability and computation. Younger players can learn the probability of rolling different combinations to get the highest score.
Number of players: 2-6
Ages: seven and up
Math Skills Reinforced: Strategy, sequencing and patterns.
A Suggested Twist for Extra Math: For suggestions about using math to play strategically read the description here.
3. Connect Four – Like a noisier, more fun version of tic-tac-toe, Connect Four is perfect for young children.
Number of players: 2
Ages: four and up
Math Skills Reinforced: pattern recognition, strategy, and simply counting
A Suggested Twist for Extra Math: Instead of playing connect four, play connect ten! Write the numbers one, two, three and four on the small discs. To win a player must get play discs that add up to ten.
4. Monopoly – This is a great game for children who are learning about budgeting and financial skills. Kids have the opportunity to count money, and make change, as well as starting to learn about rent and investments. The traditional game can be a bit overwhelming, so check out this version of Monopoly for kids. https://www.amazon.com/Hasbro-A6984-Monopoly-Junior-Board/dp/B00EDBY7X8
Number of players: 2 or more
Ages: seven and up
Math Skills Reinforced: adding, subtracting, budgeting, counting money, making change.
A Suggested Twist for Extra Math: Let younger players assist you in being the banker.
Games are a great way to keep your kids having fun with math during the summer. They will remember spending quality time with you. If you want more math games ideas, call Mathnasium of Parker, or better yet come to one of our FREE game hours. We have fun with math and we make math make sense. Call us today! 303-840-1184
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